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Dorothy and Toto will be following the Yellow Brick Road to the Ceres M. Horn Theatre for an all-school production of the “The Wiz” in April 2011.

For the first time in more than ten years, McDonogh School will produce a musical that includes 87 students from all three divisions.

“This is an opportunity to unify the school in the area of the arts,” said Ken Waller, "The Wiz" director and Middle School math teacher. “It also gives the younger students exposure to the performing arts program available to them in the middle and upper schools,” added Waller.

Auditions and callbacks for all roles were held in November and December with upper and middle school students selected for the lead roles, dancing and singing ensembles.Fifth and sixth grade students will be the Yellow Brick Road, and third and fourth graders will be the Munchkins.

“Selecting the cast for this musical was very difficult because of the amazing, well-rounded talent in the school, from the youngest to oldest students,” said Waller. There was an overwhelming number of students who wanted to participate in the production, many who auditioned for the first time.

In addition to the actors, McDonogh students will also be working as the stage crew – designing the sets, handling props and much more. There will also be an opportunity for students to play in the orchestra, which will be directed by Pete Hengen. Ms. Wanda Waller will be the musical director for the production.

Performance dates are April 8 and 9, 2011 at 7 p.m. and April 10 at 4 p.m. in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre.